Slavery Charges After Leighton Buzzard Raid

Bedfordshire Police has charged a man in connection with Modern Day Slavery offences.

Christopher O'Driscol, 34, of Pembury Road, London, was charged on Friday (4 March) with six offences, including one count of knowingly requiring another person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

O'Driscol was arrested following a multi-agency operation at a travellers' site in Little Billington, Leighton Buzzard, in October, and was charged in relation to work carried out in July and August last year.

O'Driscol was also charged with fraud by false representation and concealing or removing criminal property in connection with separate incidents in 2015, as well as three counts of failing to comply with a serious crime prevention order.

It is the first time Bedfordshire Police has secured a charge for failing to comply with a serious crime prevention order, under the Serious Crime Act 2007.

O'Driscol has been bailed pending an appearance at Luton Magistrates' Court on 21 March.

Bedfordshire Police, along with partners, is dedicated to strengthening education and raising awareness around the issues of modern day slavery and human trafficking in the county.